Alex Neil slams Preston North End's performance at Wycombe and reveals coaching staff having to self-isolate

Neil rotated his squad and made seven changes for the clash at Adams Park, admitting afterwards that some who had played had not come up to standard.

On a worrying note away from the football side of things, Neil was without a lot of backroom staff for the game.

Steve Thompson, Mike Pollitt and Frankie McAvoy were among those left at home to self-isolate.

Twice weekly Covid-19 testing in the EFL restarts on Monday and Neil said the results would be needed before North End can train again.

On the pitch, North End were 3-0 down inside 25 minutes.

Emil Riis pulled a goal back from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute, with Wycombe scoring their fourth eight minutes from time.

Neil said: "The game was done after 30 minutes wasn't it?

"We spoke about stopping crosses but didn't stop a cross within the first three minutes of the game.

"Also we had spoken about not getting too tight on Uche Ikpeazu. We knew what was coming and after eight minutes we got too tight, he rolled us and they got a penalty.

"Then again there was a 40-yard ball into the box, we lost the first header, we lost the runner and then didn't pick someone up in the box.

"The simple fact is we gave numerous opportunities today to people who maybe haven't been playing of late.

"People have asked why they haven't been playing and I think it was quite clear why some of them haven't been playing - when they have played they haven't done well enough.

"That was apparent in the game and as I said afterwards, they shouldn't have any complaints if they are not in the team for the next game.

"It was basic stuff, we were playing against a team who put balls into the box, a team who is direct.

"You need to win the first headers, pick the loose balls up, use the ball well, get the ball behind them and get them facing their own goal, play in their half.

"It is really straight forward stuff and we didn't do that well enough.

"Today was a great opportunity for some lads to show what they could do. Very few today could be happy with how they played."

Addressing the potential Covid-19 issue at the club, Neil said some of his coaching staff had been forced to miss the game and also winger Tom Barkhuizen due to having to isolate.

Neil said: "We need to get them tested, we need to get everyone tested really.

"The likelihood is in the early part of this week we are going to have to have a testing programme and we won't be able to train until we get the results back.

"It comes from one individual having symptoms in the group which is not helpful, that is more concerning than a track and trace.

"We will wait and see what the results are."

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